A picturesque road trip from Athirampilly to Valparai

The 83 km drive
from Athirampilly in Chalakudy, Kerala to Valparai in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu though the
dense forest area in 2
h 28 min is a thrilling experience.. The adrenaline rush that one feels when driving down the road abound with
nature, makes it a drivers paradise..

From Kochi we take the Alwaye route and take a detour
from Angamali to Athirampilly road. The route is Angamaly-Mookkannoor-Poothamkutty-Ezhattumugham-Bridge-Athirappilly. On the way, Ezattumugham is a tourist locale
with rivulets and greenery, ideal for a one-day trip. From Ezattumugham, the
narrow Munnurpilly plantation road inside the Plantation Corporation of Kerala,
crossing the Vettilappara bridge takes you to Athirampilly.

The way to Valparai starts from Athirapilly where there is
a beautiful waterfall, one of the largest in South India. Athirapilly has ample
viewpoints besides 2 amusement parks and then the Charpa & Vazhachal falls.

When we enter the main path to Valparai there is a check
post at Vazhachal. Permission from the forest department is required for entry
to the road. 2 hrs is allowed to reach the next destination and the Kerala
border, Malakkaparai - via Peringalkuthu & Sholayar. If the drive takes longer than the permitted time or if any one deviates
from the route to enter the forest, they will have to pay fine and face
disciplinary action from the forest department. The rules are very strict in
this area…

After Peringalkuthu, there are certain sections where
mobile signals wouldn't be available. There are no towns or human settlements
on this road between Peringalkuthu and Malakkiparai but no safety concerns have
been reported so far. . There may be restrictions for night driving on this road
after 6 pm and is best avoided.

Driving past the check post, the beauty of the forest
engulfs you and if you are lucky you get to see animals, birds… You get a feel
of the forest when you hear the myriad sounds made by the birds. Trees line both
sides of the road, so the environs is always shady and cool. The way to
Malakkapara is dotted with lots of picturesque spots we can enjoy from the
vehicle.. Sholayar reservoir is the
major viewpoint in this route. The dam is referred to as Sholayar or Chalakkudi Dam in Kerala and Upper Sholayar dam near Valparai in Tamilnadu.

Valparai is a hill town 3500 ft above sea level on the Anamalai hill ranges of the Western Ghats. Lush green forests merge with manicured tea gardens and rich wild life. The Anamalai tiger reserve sanctuary surrounds the town, and elephants and tigers are spotted now and then. From Valparai, the drive further to reach Pollachi, down 40 hairpin bends is even more beautiful…

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